Actually, Most houses in the U.S. are supplied with 240 volts, but by a three wire system. The step-down transformer is a 240v with a center tap that provides two 120v hot lines and a neutral. Electric stoves, water heaters, baseboard heat, electric dryers, etc. all run on 240v. (I have a table saw and an air compressor on 240v at home). It is the wall outlets and the lighting that are 120v. Now It seems that a 120v bulb is cheaper and sturdier than a 240 bulb, and since the overwhelming use of electricity in the beginning was lighting it kind of makes sense. Here is an interesting Wiki article on the different worldwide systems:

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Quote of the day

“Electrical science has disclosed to us the more intimate relation existing between widely different forces and phenomena and has thus led us to a more complete comprehension of Nature and its many manifestations to our senses.”